As I was looking on the Google for some topic ideas for this week’s writing, I read “don’t stop till you’re proud.” I just stopped for a moment, and then I just smiled. It is not a long or fancy worded quote, but there is so much meaning in the simplicity of it, and I just got chills from thinking about it.

The definition of proud, according to Dictionary.com at least, is “feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable or creditable.” We have all had those moments of pride; we all know what it feels like. Yes, I would say this is an important word to consider within this quote, but it is not why I got chills.

I want to point out that it says “don’t stop.” Separately these words are really ugly and negative. I mean we were told not to do stuff by our parents all the time. We listen to a red sign that says stop. Don’t even get me started on Monopoly. . . stop, you may not pass go, you may not collect two hundred dollars...cool thanks. Anyways, the quote does not say, “keep going until you’re proud.” No, it says “don’t stop.” Keep going has such a different connotation to it. It seems more laid back; like keep going maybe take a break, you’ll get there eventually. The second we “do not stop” we are like okay I’ll listen please just don’t yell at me and give my two hundred dollars.

The part of this quote that gave me chills is just one (or technically two) word. Don’t stop till YOU’RE proud. Sometimes Do not stop until YOU are proud. I know a lot of times in life we try and do things to make our parents proud or our friends proud or whoever, but you have to remember to consider yourself. I actually left out a part of the definition of proud in the beginning. It actually says “feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable or creditable to oneself.” The definition of proud even says to yourself, not to anyone else. This gave me chills because a few years ago someone whom I look up to and love once told me to always double check my motivation behind my actions. Am I doing something to fit in with the crowd, or I am I doing it because it makes me happy or makes me feel good?

I am not going to the gym and trying to stay fit because I’m worried about my image; I do it because it makes me feel better and I can set goals and feel proud about myself. I do not edit my writings over and over. . . and over again because I need everyone’s approval; I reedit time after time due to my passion on some topics, and it can take a while to get the right words across and for me to feel proud of my work.

You may not find this quote as interesting as I do, but I really do believe there is such a great power in doing things to make yourself happy and to make yourself proud. Are you trying to impress (influence in opinion) who you are, or are you trying to express (show or reveal) who you are?